Safari & Tour Overview
This safari offers guest the definitive African experience combining two different wildlife destinations, Mashatu (Botswana) and MalaMala Private Game Reserves (South Africa).
Mashatu, Land of the Giants, situated in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, is synonymous with elephants, baobab trees and adventure safaris. Be charmed by the vast open spaces, biodiversity of wildlife, majestic skies and the tranquillity interspersed with birdsong and sounds of the wild.
Mashatu’s exclusive adventure activities and renowned photographic hides add a unique and thrilling charm to your safari experience.
MalaMala, one of the largest private game reserves in Southern Africa, sharing an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, boasts with the finest and most consistent Big 5 game viewing in Africa, especially lion and leopard. Situated directly on the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, guests can expect excellent service and hospitality, gourmet dining, and incredible wildlife experiences during daily game drives (in open 4×4 vehicles) and nature walks.
*This safari is based on 3 nights at Mashatu and 4 nights at MalaMala. Alternative option: 4 nights at Mashatu and 3 nights at MalaMala.
ENQUIRE NOWSafari Summary
Tour Duration
8 Days 7 NightsDeparture/Return Location
Johannesburg, South AfricaDestinations on Tour
Mashatu Game ReserveMala Mala Game ReserveIncluded
All TransfersCharter FlightsConservation FeesDrinksLocal FlightsLuxury AccomodationMealsSafari ActivitiesNot Included
Drinks not specifiedGratuitiesHelicopter TransfersInternational FlightsItems of a Personal natureLaundryMeals not specifiedMedical InsuranceOther ActivitiesPersonal ExpensesPrivate Guide and VehicleTravel InsuranceVisa Costs
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1
Fly from Johannesburg to Mashatu
On arrival in Johannesburg, make your way to Lanseria Airport by road transfer. From here you will fly by charter flight to the Limpopo Valley Airfield, Botswana. On arrival you will clear customs and immigration. You will be met by a representative of Mashatu and transferred to Mashatu Lodge in an open 4x4 vehicle. After a warm welcome and check-in, you will be shown to your room to freshen up before enjoying afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking the waterhole. Later in the afternoon you will depart on your first afternoon game drive with your ranger and tracker. Sundowner drinks will be enjoyed at sunset. Return to camp after dark, freshen up and enjoy pre-dinner drinks at the “Gin Trap” Bar. Dinner is served under the African night sky.Day 2
Explore Mashatu
An early-morning wake-up call heralds the dawn of a new day. Enjoy a light breakfast and depart on your first morning safari drive. Return to the camp late-morning for a late breakfast, where after you have some free time to relax at your own pace. Later in the afternoon you will enjoy afternoon tea and set out for your second safari drive of the day. A delicious dinner awaits you in the dining room or boma area.Day 3
Get Active at Mashatu
One of the unique characteristics of Mashatu is the option of enjoying a range of adventure activities other than safari drives. These activities take place instead of a morning or afternoon safari drive, at an extra cost. ✓ Walking Safari – A half day morning or afternoon safari focusing on the little, often overlooked aspects of the bush. ✓ Horseback Safari - The area is perfect for riding; good going with natural ditches and logs to jump gives an exhilarating ride. Regular game sightings include not only of the elephants and cats but also antelopes, wild dogs, jackals, bat eared foxes, giraffe and the occasional canter with zebras and wildebeest across the plains. ✓ Mountain Bike Safari - Experienced rangers accompany the cyclists as they pedal their way along ancient elephant paths. ✓ Photographic hides - The 4 types of hides available provide a perfect vantage point from which both novice and professional photographers can safely photograph animals and birds from ground or eye-level level, and often at close range.Day 4
From Mashatu to MalaMala
You can get up early for your last morning safari drive in the Reserve, or sleep in and relax. On your return enjoy a quick brunch before checking out. You will be transferred to Limpopo Valley Airfield for your onward flight. From here you will fly directly to MalaMala Game Reserve by charter flight, clearing customs and immigration in Polokwane en – route. On arrival you will be met by your ranger and guide. Check-in to your luxury room or suite at MalaMala Main Camp, relax and enjoy afternoon tea before heading off on your first afternoon safari drive in the MalaMala Private Game Reserve. Day turns to dusk as you enjoy sundowner drinks and snacks at a scenic spot along the way. On your way back to camp spotlights are turned on and the search begins for nocturnal wildlife. Return to your room after sunset and freshen up before a delicious dinner and fine wines are served in the dining room, on the safari deck or around the fire in the boma area.Day 5
Full Day of MalaMala Safari
Enjoy a full day of exciting safari activities at MalaMala. Your day itinerary may run as follows: An early wake-up call by your ranger heralds the dawn. Meet your ranger and safari companions on the safari deck as the sun rises over the bushveld. Hot and cold beverages and a light snack are available. The early morning game drive follows. Return to camp where a hearty breakfast awaits you in the air- conditioned dining room or on the expansive safari deck. For the more energetic, join the bush walk after breakfast. A buffet lunch is served though some prefer to sleep through after their later breakfast. Meet on the expansive safari deck for hot and cold beverages and a light snack before departing on another unforgettable safari, with a sundowner stop along the way. Return to camp allowing time for you to freshen up before meeting your friends and rangers for pre-dinner drinks in the cosy Safari Bar. Enjoy the superb food and excellent wines while sharing stories about the day’s sightings with your fellow travellers.Day 6
Top Game-Viewing at MalaMala
Enjoy a full day of exciting safari activities at MalaMala. Your day itinerary may run as follows: An early wake-up call by your ranger heralds the dawn. Meet your ranger and safari companions on the safari deck as the sun rises over the bushveld. Hot and cold beverages and a light snack are available. The early morning game drive follows. Return to camp where a hearty breakfast awaits you in the air- conditioned dining room or on the expansive safari deck. For the more energetic, join the bush walk after breakfast. A buffet lunch is served though some prefer to sleep through after their later breakfast. Meet on the expansive safari deck for hot and cold beverages and a light snack before departing on another unforgettable safari, with a sundowner stop along the way. Return to camp allowing time for you to freshen up before meeting your friends and rangers for pre-dinner drinks in the cosy Safari Bar. Enjoy the superb food and excellent wines while sharing stories about the day’s sightings with your fellow travellers.Day 7
Last Day at MalaMala
Enjoy a full day of exciting safari activities at MalaMala. Your day itinerary may run as follows: An early wake-up call by your ranger heralds the dawn. Meet your ranger and safari companions on the safari deck as the sun rises over the bushveld. Hot and cold beverages and a light snack are available. The early morning game drive follows. Return to camp where a hearty breakfast awaits you in the air- conditioned dining room or on the expansive safari deck. For the more energetic, join the bush walk after breakfast. A buffet lunch is served though some prefer to sleep through after their later breakfast. Meet on the expansive safari deck for hot and cold beverages and a light snack before departing on another unforgettable safari, with a sundowner stop along the way. Return to camp allowing time for you to freshen up before meeting your friends and rangers for pre-dinner drinks in the cosy Safari Bar. Enjoy the superb food and excellent wines while sharing stories about the day’s sightings with your fellow travellers.Day 8
Fly Back to Johannesburg
After you last morning safari activity, and breakfast, check out and make your way to the Skukuza Airport or the nearby airstrip. From here you will fly back to Johannesburg.Tour Location
Map & Destinations
Mashatu Private Game Reserve
Mashatu, Land of the Giants, situated in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, is synonymous with elephants, baobab trees and adventure safaris. Be charmed by the vast open spaces, biodiversity of wildlife, majestic skies and the tranquillity interspersed with birdsong and sounds of the wild. Mashatu’s exclusive adventure activities and renowned photographic hides add a unique and thrilling charm to your safari experience.
Fly Back to Johannesburg
MalaMala Private Game Reserve MalaMala, one of the largest private game reserves in Southern Africa, sharing an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park, boasts with the finest and most consistent Big 5 game viewing in Africa, especially lion and leopard. Situated directly on the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, guests can expect excellent service and hospitality, gourmet dining, and incredible wildlife experiences during daily game drives (in open 4x4 vehicles) and nature walks.
Highlights & Activities
During your safari you can look forward to the following highlights, activities and experiences to ensure an unforgettable time spent in Africa. ✓ Unique Botswana & South Africa wildlife safari ✓ Mashatu Private Game Reserve – Land of the Giants ✓ Adventure safari activities at Mashatu ✓ Photographic hides and professional photographic guides ✓ MalaMala – a top Sabi Sand destination ✓ Unparalleled lion and leopard sightings ✓ Morning, afternoon and night Drives ✓ Walking safarisLet Jewel of Africa Safaris Help You with Your Next Safari
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